Spain, Camino Del Norte: Day 24-27 Santander to Boo De Peligros and Santillana Del Mar

Not much In Boo it’s a sleepy town but the albergue was filled with boisterous laughter, great food and happy pilgrims sunning on the wonderful terrace. Albergue Piedad is the only one , clean and kind hospiteleros. More pavement but from Boo you must first catch the train one stop over the railway bridge.. walking is discouraged by local police.

Take the train one stop or continue to puente San Miguel… I think I’ll stay in the train along with 2 Germans who also had foot problems.. the concrete pounding is comparable to walking on hot fire coals at a dinner with cannibals where your feet are on the menu. Yes it’s that bad… I see achilies problems and shin splints for people with low cut trainers and hiking shoes. Some keep walking in pain others are more sensible. Your feet cannot carry you if they are infected… enough said.

Santillana Del Mar

Wonderful medieval developed town but completely overrun by tourist. There are souvenir shops every 5 feet and the cobblestones on camino feet are enough to drive one mad. However it’s a really nice place . The church if you wish to go in and visit the Roman cloisters will cost you 3euros. Can you survive without going inside…definitely. You can visit the nearby caves which shows impressive history and cave painting however you will have to settle for a rendition of the cave, people are not allowed inside the actual cave for fear of determination of the artifacts.

All in all you will be charmed by this town, if passing thru the camino turns behind the Hotel Altimira..not hard to find opposite end of town towards the church and on the main thoroughfare. If you are looking for the bus to Comillas, Cobreces or San Vicente …it is opposite the medical bldg (Clinic) under the pedestrian sign along the abbey wall. The bus for the cave is further down to the right next to the park.